Method and apparatus for assembly of a shoring tower

ABSTRACT

Method for assembly of a shoring tower ( 26 ), which can be used for fabrication or reconstruction of buildings, comprising shoring struts ( 27 ) being connected with each other and at least one deck ( 1 )—for providing an area indented to be accessible in a shoring level (0, I, II, IV)—, wherein the deck ( 1 ) comprises at least one insertion hook ( 3 )—for hanging up on a particularly horizontal shoring strut ( 27 )—at a first front side ( 28 ) and an opposite second front side ( 29 ), characterized in that in a first step, a separate lifting and holding tool ( 20 ) being hookable in and out of a deck ( 1 ) is hooked in a deck ( 1 ) at a front side ( 28 ) of the deck ( 1 ), which is located within a first shoring level (I), preferably in an insertion position, which is provided for insertion respectively hanging up of a deck, defined by horizontal shoring struts ( 27 )—particularly two opposed shoring struts ( 27 )—in order to allow providing a horizontal area indented to be accessible, and in a second step, the lifting and holding tool ( 20 ) is hanged up on a particularly horizontal shoring strut ( 27 ) of a next higher second shoring level (II) such that the hooked in front side ( 28 ) of the deck ( 1 ) is hold by the lifting and holding tool ( 20 ) temporarily in an assembly distance ( 30 ) above the intended insertion position of the first shoring level (I) in a slanting intermediate assembly position not intended to be accessible, wherein the assembly distance ( 30 ) is particularly smaller than the distance between the first shoring level (I) and the second shoring level (II). A very easy and safe assembly and disassembly can thereby be achieved.

The invention concerns a method for assembly of a shoring tower as well as an apparatus for conducting the method.

Shoring towers can be used depending on design and load bearing capacity as working or protection scaffold for providing a work platform for workers for example at buildings as well as load-bearing scaffold or support frame for shoring beams for building a variable supporting structure for buildings, bridges or other constructions.

For erection of a shoring tower, a shoring of interconnected shoring struts and supports in form of for example pipe profiles are assembled level by level until the needed height is reached. In periodical distances, commonly accessible areas or platforms are generated by means of decks mounted in the shoring, which serve for the assembly and disassembly of the shoring tower itself as well as a working platform for work on an adjoining building at for example a facade scaffold.

Shoring towers can have heights in which sometimes appear such strong gusts of wind that can detach or take off decks. This does not only cause a high risk of injury due to falling down decks, but also increased effort during assembly and disassembly.

The mounting of decks is often accomplished through over head assembly that increases the stress for the assembly operators. If a lifting lock is provided, this usually requires an increased effort during assembly and/or disassembly.

The document EP2557252A1 discloses an assembly deck and method for safe erection of a lead bearing scaffold tower. Deck elements 12 with hooks 34 being arranged only at one front side are disclosed, wherein scaffold bars 20, 21 are mounted via articulated joints firmly to the deck element 12, i.e. detaching the articulated joint during assembly is neither possible nor intended. The second railing element 16 has also hooks 36.

Spring pre-leaded hooks (see paragraph [0026]) at scaffold bars 20, 21 as well as noses 40 (see paragraph [0039]) are therein proposed for securing take off, wherein the scaffold bars 20, 21, which are mounted via articulated joints on a deck element 12, shall at the same time simplify the assembly (see paragraph [0034]).

A deck element 12 can thereby be mounted on a bar of the shoring tower, namely by means of hooks 34 being directly at the one front side of the deck element 12 as well as the hooks 36 of the second railing element 16, which is mounted to the deck element 12 by articulated joint at the other front side of the deck element 12.

A single deck element 12 is therefore always mounted at the same time to two shoring levels (I, II) and on one side only through the railing element 16 indirectly connected to the shoring, so that wobbling can occur during accessing. Furthermore, half of the weight is absorbed by the articulated joint during accessing the deck element 12, which can result in a comparatively little life span.

For moving a deck element 12 in the next higher shoring level, the front side is firstly mounted with the hooks 34 on the bar in the next higher shoring level. Subsequently, the second railing element 16 is moved and mounted accordingly with the hooks 36 to the next higher shoring level.

As the deck element 12 is mounted by an articulated but not detachable joint with the railing elements 14, 16, handling and transportation to the assembly operator inside of the shoring tower during assembly is made difficult. Furthermore, a deck element 12 has a high weight due to the firmly joint railing elements. Finally, due to the above described setup, only mechanism for securing take off is implemented, like for example spring pre-loaded hooks (see paragraph [0026]) or noses 40 (see paragraph [0039]), which require additional working steps.

The above described features known from the state of the art can be combined alone or in various combination with one of the following described subject matters according to the invention.

The objection of the invention is to provide a further developed method for assembly of a shoring tower as well as a further developed apparatus for conducting the method.

As solution for the problem serves a method for assembly of a shoring tower with the features of the main claim as well as an apparatus for conducting the method according to the independent claim. Preferable embodiments result from the dependent claims.

The features described in the introduction of the description and the figure description as well as the below described embodiments, embodiment examples and variants as well as the features recited in the claims can be applied along or also in variable combination with each other. The disclosure of the invention is thus not limited to the described respectively claimed feature combinations. Rather, all feature combinations are regarded to be disclosed.

The invention is described in details in the following with figures schematically showing embodiment examples for illustration of the method for assembly a shoring tower as well as an apparatus for conducting the method with references to the figures as well as further preferable embodiments.

It shows:

FIG. 1: Shoring tower

FIG. 2: Deck with flap

FIG. 3: Lifting lock in detached position

FIG. 4: Lifting lock in locked position

FIG. 5: Hinged hooked in lifting and holding tool

FIG. 6: Illustration of an erected shoring tower

The method according to the invention for assembly of a shoring tower 26, which can be used for fabrication or reconstruction of buildings, comprising shoring struts 27 being connected with each other and at least one deck 1—for providing an area indented to be accessible in a shoring level 0, I, II, IV—, wherein the deck 1 comprises at least one insertion hook 3—for hanging up (hooking) on a particularly horizontal shoring strut 27 (shoring strut 27 being particularly horizontal)—(each) at a first front side 28 and an opposite second front side 29, includes that

-   -   in a first step (FIG. 5), a separate lifting and holding tool 20         being hookable in and out of a deck 1 is hooked in a deck 1 at a         front side 28 of the deck 1, which is located within a first         shoring level I (FIG. 6c ), preferably in an insertion position,         which is provided for insertion respectively hanging up of a         deck, defined by horizontal shoring struts 27—particularly two         opposed shoring struts 27—in order to allow providing a         horizontal area indented to be accessible (FIG. 6c ), and     -   in a second step (FIG. 6d ), the lifting and holding tool 20 is         hanged up on a particularly horizontal shoring strut 27 of a         next higher second shoring level II such that the hooked in         front side 28 of the deck 1 is hold by the lifting and holding         tool 20 temporarily in an assembly distance 30 above the         intended insertion position of the first shoring level I in a         slanting intermediate assembly position not intended to be         accessible, wherein the assembly distance 30 is particularly         smaller than the distance between the first shoring level I and         the second shoring level II.

The invention is based on the following insight: one imagine a deck 1 with one or two insertion hooks 3 each at the first front side 28 and the second front side 29, wherein the insertion hook 3 of the first front side 28 is hanged up on a particularly horizontal shoring strut. The deck 1 shall now with the second front side 29 be swiveled upwards to the next higher shoring level I, II, III, IV about the shoring strut 27 on which the first front side is hanged up. However, the insertion hook 3 of the second front side 29 will inevitably hit against a particularly horizontal shoring strut 27, which is located on the opposite side of said shoring strut 27 on which the first front side (area) is hanged up.

For this reason, the deck element 12 of the teaching of document EP2557252A1 can basically provide a hook 34 at only one front side. Otherwise, a swiveling upwards as disclosed in document EP2557252A1 would not be possible due to collision with crossbars.

By means of a detachable lifting and holding tool 20, which is hookable in and hookable out of a deck and which holds the first front side 28 of the deck 1 in an assembly distance 30 above the particularly horizontal shoring (level) strut 27, the swiveling path of the second front side 29 of the deck can be shifted upwards such that a collision with an opposed shoring strut 27 can be avoided very easily. Depending on the design of the lifting and holding tool 20, it is also basically enabled to swivel the lifting and holding tool 20 through an opening of the shoring towards outside so that the swiveling path of the second front side 29 can be shifted further away from the otherwise colliding shoring strut 27. In both cases, a swiveling up can thus be enabled and therefore a very fast and easy assembly be achieved. At the same time, a deck 1 can be provided with a very low weight.

Furthermore, the lifting and holding tool 20 can also be reused for assembly of further decks 1, 31. Additionally, an ergonomical moving up of a deck 1, 31 can be enabled. The prerequisites for an assembly method with advancing side protection and a very high operational safety are also achieved.

Finally, a deck can thus be assembled very robust, which will shake very few during accessing and therefore give a safe feeling to the user during accessing. A deck 1 can furthermore achieve a very high wear resistance and long life span.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the assembly distance 30 at substantially vertical orientation of the lifting and holding tool 20, thus in an orientation of a freely on a shoring strut 27 hanging up lifting and holding tool 20 without hooked in deck 1, amounts to at least 5 cm, preferably 10 cm, and/or preferably at most 50 cm, preferred at most 20 cm.

Providing an assembly distance 30 enables a swiveling upwards of a deck 1, 31 in a next higher shoring level as well as the above described advantageous effects. At the same time, an assembly distance of at least 5 cm, preferably 10 cm, and/or preferably at most 50 cm, preferred at most 20 cm has proven to be very advantageous in terms of a very simple, fast and ergonomical assembly.

The FIGS. 6a to 6c show exemplarily prior working steps for erection of a shoring tower 26 based on the shown embodiment examples of the method. At the beginning, a base frame with spindle foot—shoring level 0—is assembled on an underground.

The shoring struts 27 are particularly provided by separate side railings, which comprises particularly the horizontal shoring struts 27, on which a deck 1, 31 is hanged up or a lifting and holding tool 20 can be hanged up. A base frame with spindle feet and side railing is shown in FIG. 1.

Preferably, four separate side railings are connected as shoring struts 27 for a shoring level I, II and/or with the side railings or the base frame of the next lower shoring level 0, I. At least one side railing of the side railings that are assembled on the base frame is in principle an entry frame, which provides an opening that is big enough to climb into the inner of the shoring tower 26.

The shown embodiment examples provide exactly the space (just enough) for two decks 1, 31 per shoring level 0, I, II, III, IV to form or provide an accessible, horizontal area.

In FIG. 6a , the shoring struts respectively side railings of the first shoring level I and second shoring level II are already assembled. Furthermore, the two decks 1, 31 are already inserted in the intended insertion position in shoring level 0, which is just an option in regards to a base frame as shoring level 0. For preparation of the further deck assembly, two lifting and holding tools 20 have been already hanged up on opposing horizontal shoring struts.

After two shoring levels I, II are equipped with shoring struts 27, a deck 31 is as shown in FIG. 6b now by hand hanged up respectively hooked on the corresponding horizontal shoring struts 27 in the intended insertion position of the first shoring level I. For this, the deck 31 is handed over through an opening in the side railing respectively between shoring struts from outside. The lifting and holding tool 20 remains idly during said insertion of the deck 31.

Subsequently, an assembly operator climbs by use of the side railing onto the before inserted deck 31 and put again by hand a further deck 1 in the still free intended insertion position. In the view of FIG. 6c , the in viewing direction arranged behind neighboring deck 31 is now hidden by the in front arranged inserted deck 1.

The shoring level 0 in FIG. 6a can also be the upper area of a shoring strut 27 or side railing of a next lower shoring level 0, which is positioned already plenty of shoring levels above the underground and on which two decks 1, 31 have been inserted. The above described working steps are also for this case the same.

A preferred embodiment of the method includes that

-   -   in a third step (FIG. 5), a second separate lifting and holding         tool 20 being hookable in and out of a deck 1 is hooked in at a         second opposite front side 29 of the deck and     -   in a fourth step (FIG. 6e ), the second lifting and holding tool         20 is hanged up on a shoring strut 27 of a next higher third         shoring level III such that the hooked in second front side 29         of the deck is hold by the lifting and holding tool 20         temporarily in the assembly distance 30 above an intended         insertion position in the second shoring level II as a slanting         intermediate assembly position not intended to be accessible.

A very simple and fast assembly can thereby be enabled. Furthermore, the prerequisites for enabling a very ergonomical body posture during assembly are obtained.

A preferred embodiment of the method includes that

-   -   in a fifth step (FIG. 6f ), the first lifting and holding tool         20, which is hooked in the deck 1 at the first front side 28 of         the deck, is detached from the shoring strut 27 of the second         shoring level II and firstly lifted and thereafter lowering such         that the deck 1 gets hanged up on a shoring strut 27 with the         insertion hook 3 of the first front side 28 in the intended         insertion position of the second shoring level II without         providing a horizontal area intended to be accessible.

The deck 1 can thereby be moved respectively swiveled comfortably, ergonomically and easily passing by the horizontal shoring strut of the shoring level II without getting stuck with the insertion hook 3. The hanged up lifting and holding tool 20 furthermore enables moving the deck 1 with the insertion hooks 3 passing over the horizontal shoring struts 27 and a lowering of the deck 1 for a very easy hanging up. The lifting and holding tool 20 can subsequently be temporarily hanged up on the horizontal shoring strut 27 of the third shoring level III (FIG. 6f ).

A preferred embodiment of the method includes that

-   -   In a sixth step (FIG. 6g ), the second lifting and holding tool         20, which is hooked in the deck 1 at the second front side 29 of         the deck, is detached from the shoring strut 27 of the third         shoring level III and lowered such that the deck 1 gets hanged         up with the insertion hook 3 of the second front side 29 on a         shoring strut 27 in the intended insertion position of the         second shoring level II in order to provide an horizontal area         intended to be accessible.

The deck 1 can thus be inserted very easily. Through engaging (grasping) of the lifting and holding tool 20 in an upper area, an additional stooping down can be entirely avoided.

A preferred embodiment of the method includes that two decks 1, 31, particularly not more than two decks 1, 31, can be inserted in one intended insertion position of a shoring level 0, I, II, III, IV and/or

-   -   in a seventh step (FIGS. 6i to 6l ), the above described steps         one to six are conducted also for a neighboring deck 31 of the         first shoring level I in order to also hanging up the         neighboring deck 31 of the first shoring level I with the         insertion hooks 3 at the first and second front side 28, 29 of         the neighboring deck 31 on the opposing shoring struts 27 of the         intended insertion position of the second shoring level II.

Having two decks 1, 31 per shoring level enables providing a shoring tower 26 with very low number of parts compared to a high amount of decks per shoring level. Correspondingly, the shoring tower 26 can be assembled with very few effort.

By means of the above described seventh step, a very fast and quick assembly is enabled.

A preferred embodiment of the method includes that an in the first shoring level I inserted neighboring deck 31 is used as working platform for moving up the deck 1 in the next higher second shoring level II according to the steps one to six and/or a deck 1 that has been before moved up in the second shoring level II is used as working platform for moving up the neighboring deck 31 from the first shoring level I in the next higher second shoring level II according to step seven.

Assembly of the deck 1 in the second shoring level II can thereby be conducted in a very ergonomical body posture from the neighboring deck 31 of the shoring level I. And by working from the already inserted deck 1 in the second shoring level II, an overhead assembly of the neighboring deck 31 in the second shoring level II can thus be avoided.

One embodiment of the method includes that the deck 1, 31 of step one and/or step seven has been before—as step 0—inserted by hand in the intended insertion position of the first shoring level I for providing an horizontal area intended to be accessible.

Insertion of a deck by hand means without using a lifting and holding tool 20, thus only by means of direct, manual positioning and insertion of the deck 1, 31.

By means of assembly by hand in the above described steps, assembly of decks can be enabled with ergonomic body posture in a very fast and easily.

A preferred embodiment of the method includes that an insertion of a deck 1, 31 by hand in an intended insertion position of a shoring level I can only be conducted, when the next lower shoring level 0 is covered fully with one or more decks 1, 31 or when the shoring level I is reachable from the underground.

Underground means the ground, on which the shoring tower is standing. From the underground reachable means, that an assembly operator standing on the underground can well reach the shoring level I with the hands so that he can insert a deck thereon.

Fully covered with one or more decks 1, 31 means that in such shoring level has no intended insertion position for a deck 1, 31 remained free.

Herewith, the prerequisite for an assembly with advancing side protection is achieved.

A preferred embodiment of the method includes that only every second shoring level 0, II, IV is fully covered by one or more decks 1, 31 after completed assembly of the shoring tower 26.

A very fast erection of a shoring tower 26 can thereby be achieved.

Preferably, the distance between two shoring levels I, II amounts to at least 95 cm, preferably 1 m, and/or at most 1.20 m, preferably at most 1.10 m. This has proven to be very advantageous in regards of simplicity, assembly time required and the reliability of the assembly method according to the invention.

One embodiment of the method includes that a deck 1, 31 is only inserted in an insertion position of a first shoring level I after an advancing side protection, particularly comprising shoring struts 27 preferably of a side railing (FIG. 1), has been assembled at least up to the second shoring level II (FIG. 6b ).

Herewith, an assembly method with very high safety can be enabled and a laborious belt up of an assembly operator can be omitted.

As exemplarily shown in the FIGS. 6a to 6c , first of all two levels shoring struts 27 respectively side railings are assembled after completion of one level of decks (here: shoring level 0). Only thereafter, insertion of a deck level by hand is conducted in the shoring level I being surrounded and secured by side railing, which after again mounting a further level of side railings thereon can be moved up by one level by means of the holding and lifting tool 20 in a very ergonomic, fast and simple manner.

One preferable embodiment of the method includes that exactly two lifting and holding tools 20 are sufficient to assemble all decks 1, 31 of a shoring tower 26.

Since only exactly to lifting and holding tools 20 are sufficient to assemble all decks 1, 31 of a shoring tower 26, parts can be saved (omitted) and the complexity of the assembly kept very low.

One preferable embodiment of the method includes that the lifting and holding tool 20 can be hooked in and hooked out of a deck 1 as the lifting and holding tool 20 can be hooked in or hooked out of a lifting lock 2 of the deck 1—for locking of a deck 1 being inserted in an intended insertion position with the hanged up shoring strut 27 against unintended taking off—, which is arranged at a front side 28, 29 of the deck 1, wherein the lifting lock 2 is configured such that the deck 1 can be lifted and simultaneously be unlocked and/or inserted in an intended insertion position and simultaneously be locked.

Herewith, a very simple and fast assembly method as well as a very high operational safety can be achieved.

In one preferable embodiment of the method, the lifting lock 2 of the deck, which is arranged particularly centered at a front site 28, 29 of the deck 1, preferably at each both front sites 28, 29 of the deck 1, is configured such that the lifting lock 2 can also at a resting deck 1 fall respectively switch from a detached position (FIG. 3) into a locked position (FIG. 4) only by force of gravity and/or the lifting lock 2 can switch from the locked position into the detached position by lifting the deck 1 through engaging at the lifting lock 2.

“Also at a resting deck” means that a switch into a locked position can also occur when the deck for example remains motionless in the intended insertion position, thus without a motion of the deck itself, but solely by force of gravity.

“Lifting the deck through engaging at the lifting lock” means that in this meant case, the lifting lock 2 is used as grasp point (action point or lifting point) of the deck for lifting the deck 1.

As the lifting lock for avoiding undesired take off or lifting of the deck from an intended insertion position can switch only by means of forces of gravity from a detached position into a locked position and/or the lifting lock can switch from a locked position into a detached position by lifting the deck through the lifting lock, a deck with lifting lock can be provided with few production expenses, which can furthermore be assembled and dissembled in a very easy and quick manner.

Because along with insertion of the deck 1, 31, a self-acting locking of the lifting lock 2 is enabled at the same time. And by lifting of the deck 1, 31 through the lifting lock for assembly or disassembly, a self-acting unlocking of the lifting lock is enabled at the same time. This provides the prerequisites for enabling a very safe and easy assembly and disassembly particularly without process steps to be conducted overhead.

A lifting lock 2, which can fall by force of gravity from a detached position into a locked position, can also be locked and unlocked above or below the decks 1,31 very easily by manual force. Furthermore, a very high safety against unwanted detaching of the deck 1, 31 particularly under lifting forces for example resulting from wind.

A deck 1, 31 can thereby be provided, which can be brought manually into the detached position from upside like downside for insertion respectively assembly or disassembly. At the same time, the prerequisite for usage of a lifting and holding tool can be achieved, which allow very fast and simple assembly or disassembly.

In one preferable embodiment of the method, a deck 1, 31 is provided, wherein the lifting lock 2 comprises a mass plate 4 (bulk plate), which is translationally mounted by means of a vertical guide, preferably by means of a screw 7 guided in an oblong hole 6.

Having a mass plate, which is translationally mounted, i.e. having only one degree of freedom and thus only movable along a vertical upwards or downwards, a lifting lock 2 can be realized in a very simple way and with very few production expense, which can only by force of gravity fall from a detached position into a locked position and/or switch from a locked position into a detached position by means of lifting the deck 1, 31 through the lifting lock 2. The thereby achievable effects were described above.

In one preferable embodiment of the method, the lifting lock 2 comprises a catch for locking the deck 1, 31 with a horizontal shoring strut.

A catch (rotary latch) is a pivotable mounted latch, which allows fixation of a locking bolt or in this case a horizontal shoring strut 27.

By using a catch for locking the decks in the intended insertion position of the deck 1, 31, an actuation respectively locking with very little frictional resistance can be enabled and thereby a lifting lock 2 further developed, which can only by force of gravity fall from a detached position into a locked position and/or switch from a locked position into a detached position by means of lifting the deck 1, 31 through the lifting lock 2.

In one preferable embodiment of the method, the catch of the lifting lock 2 comprises an L-shaped latch, which preferably is pivoted (mounted) about a latch rotation axis 10 that is oriented in parallel to a horizontal shoring strut 27.

By means of an L-shaped latch 8, a catch can be realized very easily, space saving and weight saving as well as with very few production expense. Pivoted about a latch rotation axis 10 that is in parallel to a horizontal shoring strut enables a fast and effective locking.

In one preferable embodiment of the method, the latch rotation axis 10 is arranged in an area or a turning area between an upper latch arm 18 and a lower latch arm 19, wherein the upper latch arm and the lower latch arm confine an angle, which is particularly 70 degree to 110 degree, preferably 80 degree to 100 degree, preferred 85 degree to 95 degree.

Area between an upper latch arm 18 and a lower latch arm 19 refers to a larger section of the latch, which extends around the intersection point of both latch arms. The turning area is the section of the latch, which shows a curvature at the intersection point of both latch arms.

By providing a latch rotation axis 10 in the area or in a turning area between both latch arms, a very low pivoting radius respectively required space for a pivoting motion of the turning areas about the latch rotation axis 10 can be enabled and thereby a very compact design of the lifting lock 2 being achieved.

By providing an angle between the upper and lower latch arm, particularly 70 degree to 110 degree, preferably 80 degree to 100 degree, preferred 85 degree to 95 degree, a very simple, space saving and simple to use lifting lock 2 can be realized.

In one preferable embodiment, in locked position of the lifting lock 2, a lower latch arm 19 protrudes for reaching (grasping or engaging) under a horizontal shoring strut 27 for locking the lifting lock 2 and/or a mass plate 4 can be arranged planar adjacent (in direct contact) to an upper latch arm to block a rotation of the upper latch arm 18.

Having the lower latch arm hooking the horizontal shoring strut 27 in locked position and/or the upper latch arm being arranged planar adjacent to a mass plate 4, a very reliable and robust locking can be enabled, which is furthermore very easy to lock and unlock.

In one preferable embodiment of the method, a suspension 9 for a latch 8 or a catch, which is passed through by a latch rotation axis 10, is formed fork-shaped and/or provides a sliding surface for a mass plate 4.

By means of a fork-shaped suspension 9 for a latch 8 respectively a catch, a lifting lock can be provided very space saving and with little weight and at the same time the suspension 9 can be used as a guide for a mass plate 4. By a suspension 9 providing a sliding surface for a mass plate 4 a very high safety, reliability and robustness of the lifting lock 2 can be achieved during operations.

In one preferable embodiment of the method, the lower latch arm 19 is substantially as long as the upper latch arm 18.

Substantially as long means that a length difference of the lower latch arm and the upper latch arm is particularly at most 40 mm, preferably at most 30 mm, more preferred at most 20 mm and/or particularly at most ½ of the length of the longer latch arm, preferably ⅔, more preferred ¼ of the length of the longer latch arm.

Having the lower latch arm being substantially as long as the upper latch arm, it can be achieved firstly, that the lower latch arm pivots only by force of gravity downwards and insertion of the deck 1, 31 is enabled with simultaneous locking. Doing so, the center of mass of the latch can be displaced in a way that none of the latch arms protrude in detached position of the lifting device such that no cant (blocking) or getting stuck at the horizontal shoring strut during letting down respectively inserting of the deck 1, 31 can occur.

In one embodiment, the lower latch arm 19 is longer than the upper latch arm 18. By means of a longer lower latch arm 19 a very large surplus covering of the lower latch arm with the horizontal shoring strut and thus a very robust locking can be achieved.

In one embodiment, the upper latch arm 18 is longer than the lower latch arm 19. This enables a targeted displacement of the point of mass.

In one preferable embodiment of the method, the lifting lock 2 provides a connection opening, particularly a hook-in-slot, for hooking in and/or hinged hooking in of a separate lifting and holding tool.

In contrast to the relatively wide meaning of hooking in, hinged hooking in makes clear that pivoting of components is enabled, which are connected by means of the hinged hooking in connection.

Through a connection opening, which allows hooking in or hinged hooking in of a separate lifting and holding tool, an advancing side protection can be realized very easily, overhead assembly can be avoided and a very easy and effortless assembly and disassembly is enabled. Furthermore, a very low weight of a deck 1, 31 can be achieved and a very easy transportation respectively handing over of a deck 1, 31 through openings in the shoring from the outside to the inside can be enabled.

In addition, the prerequisites are provided to enable insertion of a deck 1, 31 with simultaneous locking against taking off as well as lifting with simultaneous unlocking of the deck 1, 31.

Thereby, a deck level can be completed and elevated upwards by one level after assembly of the over next side shoring level very quickly and easily. This enables realization of a advancing side protection and avoiding overhead working steps.

In one preferable embodiment of the method, a connection opening, particularly a hook-in-slot, is arranged at the mass plate 4 preferably in an upper area and/or the mass plate 4 provides a support arm 17 for on the mass plate 4 acting transmitting lifting and holding forces, which for example act on the deck 1, 31 through lifting or holding with a lifting and holding tool.

Having a connection opening arranged at the mass plate 4 allows obtaining a self-acting locking of the lifting lock 2 during insertion of a deck 1, 31 and a self-acting unlocking of the lifting lock 2 simultaneously during lifting a deck 1, 31. A very simple assembly and disassembly can thereby be achieved.

A mass plate 4 with a support arm 17 for transmitting on the mass plate 4 acting lifting and holding forces enables a very high reliability and safety during application of the deck 1, 31 with lifting lock 2 during operations. Furthermore, such supporting arm enables a very easy manual grasping (engaging) and thus unlocking of the lifting lock 2 from below.

A further aspect of the application concerns an apparatus for conducting the above described method for assembly of a shoring tower 26, which can be used for fabrication or reconstruction of buildings. The apparatus is a lifting and holding tool 20, which is configured such that

-   -   in a first step, the lifting and holding tool 20 being hookable         in and out of a deck 1 can be hooked in a deck 1 at a front side         28 of the deck 1, which is located within a first shoring level         I, and     -   in a second step, the lifting and holding tool 20 can be hanged         up on a particularly horizontal shoring strut 27 of a next         higher second shoring level II such that the hooked in front         side 28 of the deck 1 is hold by the lifting and holding tool 20         temporarily in an assembly distance 30 above the intended         insertion position of the first shoring level I in a slanting         intermediate assembly position not intended to be accessible,         wherein the assembly distance 30 is particularly smaller than         the distance between the first shoring level I and the second         shoring level II.

By means of such a lifting and holding tool 20, a deck 1, 31 can be hanged up and moved up by one level very fast and in an ergonomic posture.

In contrast to deck elements with not detachable (extractable) connected shoring struts according to document EP2557252A1, the present system has the advantage of very low weight of the decks, a very easy transportation through openings in the shoring as well as a very easy and fast assembly and disassembly.

In one preferable embodiment, the lifting and holding tool 20 comprises a connection hook 25 for hooking in a deck 1, 31 and a hang up hook 21 for hanging up on a particularly horizontal shoring strut 27, wherein the distance between the connection hook 25 and the hang up hook 21 corresponds to at least half, preferably 70%, preferred 80%, and/or at most 95%, preferably at most 90%, of the distance between two shoring levels I, II.

Herewith, a very fast assembly by means of swiveling up in a next higher shoring level of a deck without blockade due to a horizontal shoring strut is enabled.

Particularly, the connection hook 25 and the hang up hook 21 at the lifting and holding tool 20 are arranged in a distance of at least 70 cm, preferably 80 cm, and/or at most 90 cm (FIG. 5).

Having a deck according to document EP2557252A1, such a swiveling up in a next higher shoring level is only possible under abandonment of insertion hooks at one of both front sides of the deck. This is because the swiveling axis during swiveling up is in the plane of the intended insertion position. As the swiveling point (axis) for swiveling up is shifted to above the plane of the intended insertion position, insertion hooks at both front side surfaces can be provided, which can result in a very high stability a robustness of the assembled decks.

In one preferable embodiment, the connection hook 25 of the lifting and holding tool 20 is partly or mostly recessed and/or when the lifting and holding tool 20 being hanged up then the connection hook 25 extends slanting upwards towards a horizontal under an angle of at least 10 degree, preferably 20 degree, preferred 30 degree.

Recessed means that the connection hook 25 is vaulted inwardly to the back as shown in FIG. 5 (in the view of FIG. 5 to the left side), so that the hook ends protrude little over the lifting and holding tool 20.

Having a partly or mostly recessed connection hook 25 as well as the slanting upwards extending embodiment of the connection hook 25 a very easy insertion of the connection hook 25 in an opening of a deck can be enabled. Furthermore, a very reliable and detaching-secured (-resistant) connection to the deck can be achieved also during swiveling in both directions.

In one preferable embodiment of the apparatus, the lifting and holding tool 20 can be hooked in a hinged manner in a deck 1, 31, particularly in a hook-in-slot 5 of the deck 1, 31, and/or is configured that during vertical position of the lifting and holding tool 20 an in a hinged manner hooked in deck 1, 31 can be swiveled in a detaching-secured way in both directions for at least 80 degree, preferably 90 degree, preferred 110 degree.

In contrast to the relatively wide meaning of hooking in, hinged hooking in makes clear that pivoting of components is enabled, which are connected by means of the hinged hooking in connection.

A very simple and effort saving assembly and disassembly can thereby be enabled.

As during vertical position of the lifting and holding tool 20 an in a hinged manner hooked in deck 1, 31 can be swiveled in a detaching-secured way for at least 80 degree, preferably 90 degree, preferred 110 degree in both directions, a deck 1, 31 can be at the same time held on the one side and be lifted up to the next higher level on the other side by means of the lifting and holding tool 20 and thereby enabling a very simple and ergonomical assembly and disassembly. Additionally, if during assembly or disassembly the lifting and holding tool 20 gets unintentionally detached at one side of the deck 1, 31, the deck 1, 31 is still hold very reliably at the other side by the lifting and holding tool 20 and thus prevents dropping down of the deck despite the sudden swiveling down of the deck 1, 31. A very high work safety condition can thereby be achieved.

In one preferable embodiment of the apparatus, an end of a rod forms a wide and flat connection hook 25 and/or the lifting and holding tool 20 comprises two rods that are arranged in parallel, which are connected through horizontal connection bars 22, 23, 24.

By forming an end of a rod as connection hook 25 as well as by providing two rods in parallel with horizontal connection bars 22, 23, 24, a lifting and holding tool 20 with very low weight and production expense can be provided. The connection bars 22, 23, 24 can at the same time act as handles in special positions for a very easy and ergonomical assembly and disassembly.

Therefore, the upper handle 24 can be used in a very ergonomical manner in the working steps shown in the FIGS. 6d and 6j and the lower handle 22—eventually together with a middle handle 23—correspondingly in the working steps shown in the FIGS. 6e and 6 f.

A wide and flat connection hook as well as two rods—and thus two connection hooks 25—furthermore allow lifting and holding a deck 1, 31 in a very stably manner, i.e. without twisting and fluctuating.

In one preferable embodiment of the apparatus, a hang up hook 21 is directed towards the opposite direction of a connection hook 25 and/or at least one connection rod 23, 24 is arranged in an upper area and one connection rod 22 in a lower area of the lifting and holding tool 20.

Herewith, a very simple assembly and disassembly can be obtained.

In the following, further details of the embodiment examples shown in the figures are described.

The FIG. 2 shows a deck 1, 31 for forming an accessible area in a shoring tower 26, which can be used for fabrication or reconstruction of buildings.

A lifting lock 2 for avoiding taking off of the deck 1, 31 from an intended insertion position is arranged particularly centered at a front side or both front sides of the deck 1,31, preferably centered between two insertion hooks 2 for hooking of the deck 1, 31 in a horizontal shoring strut.

A surrounding deck frame 15 made of metal for mounting a deck plate 12 enables a deck with a very high stability and strength. Particularly, a side profile 16 is arranged on both long sides of the deck 1, 31 at the bottom side of the deck frame 15 in order to obtain a very robust mounting surface in insertion position as well as improved stackability.

Particularly, insertion hooks 2 and/or a lifting lock 2 are directly mounted at a deck frame 15 in order to save space and to achieve very high stability and thus operational safety.

The insertion hooks 2 are preferably mounted on the deck very strongly and safe by means of a connection with a vertical extending side plate of the deck frame 15.

A shoring level (see FIG. 1) comprises usually exactly two decks 1, 31 in order to enable a fast assembly and disassembly.

At least one of the decks 1, 31 of a shoring level provides a flap 13 for climbing through the deck from above to downwards or below to upwards. Preferably, such a flap 13 comprises a handle hole 14 in the deck plate 12 for opening from below or above. For ensuring that the flap 13 is not unintentionally opening, a spring loaded latch with a ramp is commonly provided, which engages a latching connection with the deck frame 15 in a self-acting manner during closing as well as can be opened with an operating element that is arranged at the handle hole 14. Opening of the flap 13 is thus possible very easily from above and below.

The FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the lifting lock 2 in detached position. A mass plate 4 of the lifting lock 2 provides an oblong hole 6 as vertical guide 6 and is mounted translationally (together with) by a screw 7, which is preferably connected to the deck frame 15. A fork-shaped suspension 9 with two slide bars complements, supports respectively relieves the translational mounting by means of the oblong hole 6 and the screw 7. The mass plate 4 and/or the insertion hooks 2 have weight reducing openings 11 in order to allow providing a deck 1, 31 with very low weight.

When the mass plate 4 is hold against the force of gravity in an upper position (see FIG. 3), which is defined by an upper end stop of the oblong hole 6, i.e. in detached position of the lifting lock 2, a L-shaped latch 8 can pivot freely about an latch rotation axis 10 that is oriented in parallel to a horizontal shoring strut 27.

A commonly U-shaped support arm 17 (see FIG. 4) is arranged at the bottom side of the mass plate 4, preferably being one piece with the mass plate 4 and/or extending orthogonally towards a motion path of the mass plate 4. Therewith, lifting and holding forces can be transmitted very easily and reliably to the deck 1 respectively the deck frame 15 and/or deck plate 12 during lifting or holding of the deck 1, 31 above the lifting lock 2 respectively the mass plate 4 of the lifting lock 2. Otherwise, these forces would be born (absorbed) only by the screw 7. Furthermore, the lifting lock 2 can thus be unlocked very easily during assembly and disassembly through pushing the support arm 17 upwards.

When the mass plate 4 is released, it will fall by forces of gravity in the lower position (see FIG. 4), which is defined by an upper end stop of the oblong hole 6. The latch 8 is thereby rotated by means of the down moving mass plate 4 until the mass plate is planar adjacent (in direct contact) to an upper latch arm 18 and thus blocking it from rotation. The lifting lock 2 is then in locked position (FIG. 4). At the front side of the deck 1, 31, the lower latch arm 19 protrudes in locked position such that the lower latch arm 19 can reaching under a horizontal shoring strut for locking the lifting lock 2.

The L-shaped latch 8 can be designed such way that the L-shaped latch 8 works as catch, which is pivotable about the latch rotation axis 10 and whose rotation axis is arranged in the turning area between an upper latch arm 18 and a lower latch arm 19 that is connected to the upper latch arm 18 under an angle. The lower latch arm 19 is substantially as long as the upper latch arm 18 at equal thickness. In detached position of the lifting lock, the lower latch arm 19 rotates through force of gravity downwards and the upper latch arm 18 protrudes above that a little or at least more than the lower latch arm 19.

When the deck 1, 31 is let down in detached position (FIG. 3) in direction towards the intended insertion position, at least the lower latch arm 19 passes by a horizontal shoring strut 27. However, the upper latch arm 18 can be already due to its protrusion be pushed upwards by the horizontal shoring strut 27. By means of a releasing of letting down the mass plate 4, a rotation of the latch 8 respectively the catch can be accomplished in every case such that the lifting lock 2 and thus the deck 1, 31 is secured reliably against unintentionally taking off by means of locking with the horizontal shoring strut.

In order to enable a very easy lifting and holding of the deck 1, 31 through the lifting lock 2 respectively the mass plate 4 of the lifting lock 2, the mass plate 4 has two hook-in-slots 5 for hooking in a hinged manner of a separate lifting and holding tool 20.

The FIG. 5 shows a lifting and holding tool 20 with two connection hooks 25 for hooking in the hook-in-slots 5 of the mass plate 4 a hinged manner. Particularly, also two hang up hooks 21 are provided for hanging up the lifting and holding tool 20 on a shoring strut 27.

Because the connection hooks 25 are designed mostly recessed and extending slanting upwards under an angle towards a horizontal in vertical position of the lifting and holding tool 20 (as shown in FIG. 5), the lifting and holding tool 20 can be inserted very easily in the hook-in-slots 5 of the mass plate 4 in locked position of a deck 1 being placed in an intended insertion position as the lifting and holding tool 20 after dropping (being placed) on the horizontal shoring strut 27 can be pushed in direction towards the deck 1, 31.

When the deck 1, 31 is lifted through the lifting and holding tool 20, the deck 1,31 is simultaneously secured by the hooked in a hinged manner connection against detaching also in case of unintentionally releasing and falling down of one side of the deck 1, 31.

The lifting and holding tool 20 has two in parallel arranged rods, which are connected through horizontal connection bars 20, 23, 24. The horizontal connection bars 20, 23, 24 are further arranged and designed such that they form at the same time an lower handle 22, middle handle 23 and upper handle 24. By that way, assembly and disassembly under usage of the holding and lifting tool 20 is possible that enables a very easy, ergonomical and effort-saving assembly and disassembly.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a shoring tower 26 with a deck 1, 31, wherein the shoring tower 26 is a load-bearing scaffold or support frame for shoring a beam for building a hall ceiling or a bridge and/or provides a head jack at the upper area, particularly fork-shaped head jack, with adjustable spindle for shoring a beam or other components to be shored.

In one preferable embodiment, the connection hook 25 of the lifting and holding tool 20 is partly or mostly recessed and/or when the lifting and holding tool 20 being hanged up then the connection hook 25 extends slanting upwards towards a horizontal under an angle of particularly at least 4 degree, preferably 8 degree, preferred 12 degree and/or at most 60 degree, preferably 50 degree, preferred 40 degree.

Very easy insertion of the connection hook 25 in an opening of a deck 1, 31 can thereby be enabled. Furthermore, a very reliable and detaching-secured (-resistant) connection to the deck can be achieved also during swiveling in both directions.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 deck -   2 lifting lock -   3 insertion hook -   4 mass plate -   5 hook-in-slot -   6 oblong hole -   7 screw -   8 latch -   9 suspension -   10 latch rotation axis -   11 weight reduction opening -   12 deck plate -   13 flap -   14 handle hole -   15 deck frame -   16 profile -   17 support arm -   18 upper latch arm -   19 lower latch arm -   20 lifting and holding tool -   21 hang up hook -   22 lower handle -   23 middle handle -   24 upper handle -   25 connection hook -   26 shoring tower -   27 shoring strut -   28 first front side -   29 second front side -   30 assembly distance -   31 neighboring deck 

1. A method for assembly of a shoring tower (26), which can be used for fabrication or reconstruction of buildings, the shoring tower comprising shoring struts (27) being connected with each other and at least one deck (1)—for providing an area indented to be accessible in a shoring level (0, I, II, IV)—, wherein the deck (1) comprises at least one insertion hook (3) for hanging up on a particularly horizontal shoring strut (27)—at a first front side (28) and an opposite second front side (29), wherein the method includes in a first step, a separate lifting and holding tool (20) being hookable in and out of a deck (1) is hooked in a deck (1) at a front side (28) of the deck (1), which is located within a first shoring level (I), wherein in an insertion position, which is provided for insertion respectively hanging up of a deck, defined by two horizontal opposed shoring struts (27) in order to allow providing a horizontal area indented to be accessible, and in a second step, the lifting and holding tool (20) is hanged up on a horizontal shoring strut (27) of a next higher second shoring level (II) such that the hooked in front side (28) of the deck (1) is hold by the lifting and holding tool (20) temporarily in an assembly distance (30) above the intended insertion position of the first shoring level (I) in a slanting intermediate assembly position not intended to be accessible, wherein the assembly distance (30) is smaller than the distance between the first shoring level (I) and the second shoring level (II).
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the assembly distance (30) amounts to at least 5 cm and at most 50 cm at substantially vertical orientation of the lifting and holding tool (20).
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the lifting and holding tool (20) can be hooked in and hooked out of a deck (1) as the lifting and holding tool (20) can be hooked in or hooked out of a lifting lock (2) of the deck (1)—for locking of a deck (1) being inserted in an intended insertion position with the hanged up shoring strut (27) against unintended taking off—, which is arranged at a front side (28, 29) of the deck (1), wherein the lifting lock (2) is configured such that the deck (1) can be lifted and simultaneously be unlocked or inserted in an intended insertion position and simultaneously be locked.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising in a third step, a second separate lifting and holding tool (20) being hookable in and out of a deck (1) is hooked in at a second opposite front side (29) of the deck and in a fourth step, the second lifting and holding tool (20) is hanged up on a shoring strut (27) of a next higher third shoring level (III) such that the hooked in second front side (29) of the deck is hold by the lifting and holding tool (20) temporarily in the assembly distance (30) above an intended insertion position in the second shoring level (II) as a slanting intermediate assembly position not intended to be accessible.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising in a fifth step, the first lifting and holding tool (20), which is hooked in the deck (1) at the first front side (28) of the deck, is detached from the shoring strut (27) of the second shoring level (II) and firstly lifted and thereafter lowering such that the deck (1) gets hanged up on a shoring strut (27) with the insertion hook (3) of the first front side (28) in the intended insertion position of the second shoring level (II) without providing a horizontal area intended to be accessible.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising In a sixth step, the second lifting and holding tool (20), which is hooked in the deck (1) at the second front side (29) of the deck, is detached from the shoring strut (27) of the third shoring level (III) and lowered such that the deck (1) gets hanged up with the insertion hook 3 of the second front side (29) on a shoring strut (27) in the intended insertion position of the second shoring level (II) in order to provide an horizontal area intended to be accessible.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein only two decks-can be inserted in one intended insertion position of a shoring level (0, I, II, III, IV) and in a seventh step, the steps one to six are conducted also for a neighboring deck (31) of the first shoring level (I) in order to also hanging up the neighboring deck (31) of the first shoring level (I) with the insertion hooks (3) at the first and second front side (28, 29) of the neighboring deck (31) on the opposing shoring struts (27) of the intended insertion position of the second shoring level (II).
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein in the first shoring level (I) inserted neighboring deck (31) is used as working platform for moving up the deck (1) in the next higher second shoring level (II) by means of steps one to six and a deck (1) that has been before moved up in the second shoring level (II) is used as working platform for moving up the neighboring deck (31) from the first shoring level (I) in the next higher second shoring level (II) by means of step seven.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein an insertion of a deck (1, 31) by hand in an intended insertion position of a shoring level (I) can only be conducted, when the next lower shoring level (0) is covered fully with one or more decks (1, 31) or when the shoring level (I) is reachable from ground underlying the shoring tower.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein only every second shoring level (0, II, IV) is fully covered by one or more decks (1, 31) after completed assembly of the shoring tower (26).
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein a deck (1, 31) is only inserted in an insertion position of a first shoring level (I) after an advancing side protection comprising shoring struts (27) of a side railing has been assembled at least up to the second shoring level (II).
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein exactly two lifting and holding tools (20) are sufficient to assemble all decks (1, 31) of a shoring tower (26).
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein a distance between two shoring levels (I, II) amounts to at least 95 cm and at most 120 cm.
 14. A lifting and holding tool (20) for assembling a shoring tower (26), the lifting and holding tool (20) configured to be hooked in a deck (1) at a front side (28) of the deck (1), which is located within a first shoring level (I), and hanged up on a horizontal shoring strut (27) of a next higher second shoring level (II) such that the hooked in front side (28) of the deck (1) is held by the lifting and holding tool (20) temporarily at an assembly distance (30) above the intended insertion position of the first shoring level (I) in a slanting intermediate assembly position not intended to be accessible, wherein the assembly distance (30) is particularly smaller than the distance between the first shoring level (I) and the second shoring level (II).
 15. The lifting and holding tool of claim 14, wherein the lifting and holding tool (20) comprises a connection hook (25) for hooking in a deck (1, 31) and a hang up hook (21) for hanging up on a particularly horizontal shoring strut (27), wherein the distance between the connection hook (25) and the hang up hook (21) corresponds to at least half and at most 95% of the distance between two shoring levels (I, II).
 16. The lifting and holding tool of claim 14, wherein a hang up hook (21) included in the lifting and holding tool is directed towards the opposite direction of a connection hook (25) included in the lifting and holding tool, and at least one connection rod (23, 24) is arranged in an upper area and one connection rod (22) in a lower area of the lifting and holding tool (20).
 17. The lifting and holding tool of claim 14, wherein the lifting and holding tool (20) is configured to be hooked in a hinged manner in a deck (1, 31), particularly in a hook-in-slot (5) of the deck (1, 31), and is configured such that during vertical position of the lifting and holding tool (20) in a hinged manner hooked in deck (1, 31) can be swiveled in a detaching-secured way in both directions for at least 80 degrees.
 18. The lifting and holding tool of claim 14, wherein an end of a rod included in the lifting and holding tool forms a wide and flat connection hook (25) and the lifting and holding tool (20) comprises two rods that are arranged in parallel, which are connected through horizontal connection bars (22, 23, 24).
 19. The lifting and holding tool of claim 14, wherein horizontal connection bars included in the lifting and holding tool are arranged and designed such that they form at the same time a lower handle (22), middle handle (23) and upper handle (24).
 20. The lifting and holding tool of claim 14, wherein a connection hook (25) of the lifting and holding tool (20) is partly or mostly recessed and when the lifting and holding tool (20) is hanged up then the connection hook (25) extends slanting upwards towards a horizontal under an angle. 